NRL: Anthony Seibold reveals ‘final straw’ in Brisbane Broncos mess

Anthony Seibold has revealed the moment he knew it was time to stand down from the Broncos as his exit was officially confirmed.

Anthony Seibold has officially stepped down as head coach of the Brisbane Broncos, effective immediately.

Speaking to reporters at Red Hill, Seibold revealed his time with the club had come to a close after a chaotic 20-month stint.

The 45-year-old addressed the players and staff on Wednesday morning before confirming the departure.

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“I was honoured to be appointed Brisbane Broncos coach at the end of 2018. This was the club where I started my Rugby League journey as a young man and it’s a club that I have always admired,” Seibold said.

“For many reasons, my time at the Broncos did not work out as we had all hoped. But that’s sport. We love sport because it’s full of uncertainty. And rugby league seems to throw up uncertainty better than any sport I know.

“People ask me if there are things I’d change about the last two seasons. None of that matters right now.

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“I gave it my best at the Broncos and I am responsible for where we currently are. Head coaches know that there is no finger-pointing and no deflection of blame when a club struggles.

“These events haven’t dampened my enthusiasm for coaching or wanting to help others achieve. In fact, they have made me more determined. I know that I’ll be a better coach, a better leader and a better person for all that I have learnt over these last three seasons at South Sydney and Brisbane.”

Over the past few weeks, Seibold has been plagued by off-field dramas, including salacious social media rumours and intentionally breaking the league’s biosecurity protocols to attend to a family matter.

Despite everything, he confirmed: “I’m doing OK.

“It was a really emotional morning, I’m not afraid of saying I cried in front of the players because I care about them a lot.

“It’s always emotional to say goodbye.”

SEIBOLD REVEALS ‘FINAL STRAW’

Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold.

Seibold also revealed the moment he realised it was the right time to step down: “I think the final straw was hopping back on a plane from Sydney when I wanted to be with my daughter.

“Right now I want spend more time with my family as they’ve made enormous sacrifices in recent times.

“People ask me if there are things I would do different over the last two years, but none of that matters right now.

“I gave my best to the Broncos, but ultimately I am responsible for where we are currently at.”

Broncos chief executive Paul White thanked Seibold for his contributions to the club since taking on the role in November 2018, and slammed the “hysterical” scrutiny he has endured.

“The role as coach of the Broncos is one of the most high-profile and high-pressure in Australian sport, and Anthony has performed admirably since starting in late 2018,” White said.

“But the levels of scrutiny – some of it bordering on hysterical, if not slanderous in recent times – have placed a heavy burden on Anthony and his family.

“As a Club, we have endeavoured to support Anthony and his loved ones through all of this.

“But at the end of the day only Anthony can understand what it is like to walk in the shoes of a Broncos Coach, and live with the highs and lows of the role.

“On a personal note, I would like to thank Anthony for the tremendous amount of effort and diligence he has poured into the job during his time at the Broncos.

“He can certainly coach, he will coach again, and he is also a very good man.

“He has always acted with the utmost professionalism and ushered in a new generation of stars who will become household names for our Club in the future.

“As a Club, we wish Anthony and his family all the best in the future.

“For the remainder of the season, Peter Gentle will continue to coach the team, as he has done for the past fortnight.

“The Board will begin the search for a new coach immediately but we will not place a timeline on that process.”

This is impressive from Anthony Seibold and Paul White. Fronting up and answering questions. Honest and raw from Seibs. I hope he’s not lost to the game.

— Peter Psaltis (@peterp79) August 25, 2020

At least the way most departures have been handled this season has been impressive - Green was allowed to coach a final game before announcement and did numerous interviews, McGregor made announcement to media and enjoyed farewell game, Seibold fronted media conference with CEO

— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) August 25, 2020

Anthony Seibold presents as an articulate, brave and thoughtful man. That press conference was very impressive. Here’s hoping this decision brings he and his family some peace.

— Matthew Taylor (@MattyA_Taylor) August 25, 2020